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ST. CLOUD The man accused of holding five employees hostage during a bank robbery in St. Cloud last week was charged in U.S. District Court Wednesday in connection to the incident.
Ray Reco McNeary, 35 and of Waite Park, is accused of using force, violence or intimidation in taking money from a financial institution.
McNeary was charged May 7 with seven felonies in Stearns County District Court.
According to an affidavit signed by FBI Special Agent Chad Schliepsiek, McNeary went into the bank shortly before 2 p.m. May 6. McNeary alleged fraud with his account and became enraged when an employee was unable to locate any accounts.
Charges: St. Cloud bank robber wanted to go viral, become a martyr
Police were in a standoff with him at the Wells Fargo bank for more than 8 hours.
Author:
Credit: Stearns County Jail
The 35-year-old suspected bank robber in St. Cloud allegedly wanted to become a martyr and put on a big show to attract the FBI and media, according to criminal charges filed in Stearns County District Court.
Ray Reco McNeary, of Waite Park, entered the Wells Fargo bank at 200 33rd Avenue South in St. Cloud on the afternoon of Thursday, May 6, and became upset with the bank manager about alleged fraud on his account, the charges say.
Man charged in St. Cloud bank hostage case By Paul Jurgens
May 7, 2021 4:27 PM
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Charges have been filed against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a bank that lasted more than eight hours.
35-year-old Ray R. McNeary of Waite Park was charged with first-degree aggravated robbery, armed kidnapping and assault in Stearns County District Court.
Police say that no firearm was found on McNeary or at the scene, but he did arm himself with a pair of scissors.
McNeary was arrested in the bank shortly after the fifth and final hostage left the building about 10 p.m. Thurs.